NOVEL NEXT Chapter 113 - Mysterious Travelers
The steady, rhythmic motion of the train helped Alaric relax as it zoomed past settlements filled with tiny brick houses, small water bodies, and natural forests. The cold evening fog had settled over the glass window, adorning it with beads of water that occasionally dripped to the bottom.
A smile stretched across his face as he witnessed the horizon transform into a dark silhouette of jagged mountain peaks that glided by under the gaze of the full moon. It was an odd feeling, watching the chain of mountains trail along, yet not really staying with him.
His father sat opposite him, the only other occupant in this luxurious compartment that befitted a nobleman's standard.
The count's attention was rented by a stack of official parchments, his brows furrowed and eyes darting to different sections. He made gruff noises intermittently, circling a few words and scribbling notes in his diary.
Sir Baldwin and the knights had settled into other compartments in the same coach, offering them ample room for privacy, yet remaining close enough to safeguard the count and him.
"Are you sure about your choice?" asked his father, not looking up to meet his eyes. Alaric felt a little guilty, pulling his father away from his work and duty when he was so busy. But he was also grateful to his father for accompanying him on this trip.
"Yes, I plan on enrolling at The Evercrest Academy," said Alaric resolutely. The Stellan Institute and The Evercrest Academy were considered almost equal in standing, but there were some crucial differences that set them apart in how they functioned.
Alaric crossed his arms and closed his eyes, leaning back on the cushioned seat before recalling what he had learned about The Stellan Institute. It was a government institution, and as such directly under the supervision of the State.
The motto of the institute was to offer fair education and opportunity to any cultivator regardless of their standing, status, or wealth. Thus, it attracted both commoners and nobles alike.
However, what made it special was the fact that almost 30 percent of the students admitted into the institute were on scholarships. Mainly, these were commoners with exceptional talent, superb elemental affinities, or other advantages that couldn't have afforded admission otherwise. It also included kids from minor or landless noble houses.
Needless to say, a high percentage of graduates from the Stellan Institute choose to serve the government either directly or indirectly to express their gratitude. Even the noble houses that selected The Stellan Institute maintained strong ties with the government.
Alaric had no doubt he could secure a scholarship within the Stellan Institute. However, that would mean depriving a talented commoner of the opportunity to change their life for the better forever.
He didn't want to cause such misfortune to anybody. Besides, he didn't want to become a puppet of the government. The final reason to reject it as a choice was the fact that it would be riskier to hide his secret in a government institution.
The Evercrest Academy was a private institution and mainly attracted aristocrats. Its motto was to help flourish the finest minds of the generation. Coincidentally, the finest minds included kids from major noble families or nobility with long historical roots, wealthy merchants, and high-ranking businessmen.
Only about 5 percent of students were on scholarships, but there was a rumor that many of these students withdrew from the academy before the term was over.
In addition to evaluating the results of the entrance exams, The Evercrest Academy weighed the pedigree of the bloodline of any student who sought admission. Alaric could already foresee trouble.
He was already eligible for admission, being the son of a Count. However, he was also a bastard, and it remained to be seen how his status would be regarded by the admission committee.
However, he didn't let that thought frustrate him. Opening his eyes, he quickly sneaked a glance at his father. My Father could be very persuasive when the situation demanded it. He smirked. Besides, what's life without a little challenge?
As if detecting Alaric's gaze on him, the count glanced at Alaric and said, "What's with that smirk? Already imagining how you would surprise the examiners?"
"Something like that," replied Alaric. "I'm more worried about the complications of my status as a…uh, bastard."
The count released a sigh, stopping his scribbling to directly look at his son. "I understand your concern, Alaric. Believe me, I would like nothing more than to declare you as my legitimate child. But that would create even more problems."
For a moment, Eustace's eyes softened before turning resolute. "You just focus on your exam, and let me handle the rest."
Alaric gave him a nod but didn't look away. There was something else on his mind, something much more significant that he wanted to share. But suddenly, he felt his throat constrict with hesitation. I should have shared this news earlier!
"Is there something else on your mind?" the count's voice - a gentle probe - pulled him out of his reverie. It seemed as if his father had guessed that he wanted to say something more.
"Yes, I..uh," Alaric cleared his throat. "I didn't know it at the time, but my mom has been trying to contact me for a few days…through my dreams."
His father's face grew more solemn but he remained silent, urging Alaric to continue. He recounted the events he had experienced in his dreams, and his conversation with Rubina.
With every word he spoke, Alaric felt more guilty. "I'm worried about her, Father. She has gone dark," Alaric glanced down, momentarily choking on his words. A sudden anger directed at himself spurred him on. "If something happens to her because of -"
"Calm down, Alaric," the count ordered. "None of it is your fault, and nobody had planned for such an occurrence." The count gently placed his hand on Alaric's shoulder, urging him to make eye contact.
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"Your mother is the strongest woman I know of," he continued as a smile graced his lips. "She will be safe. And she will find you when the time is right."
Perhaps it was due to the nature of the conversation, or due to the relief that his father had offered him from the emotional turmoil ravaging his chest, Alaric hugged his father for the first time.
After a split-second, his father returned the embrace. The moment lasted for a few seconds but felt like an eternity. And in that moment, Alaric felt like he truly belonged in this new world. No, this world wasn't new anymore. It was home.
***
Alaric sipped on his coffee, observing the hues of pre-dawn light that stretched across the sky. Breakfast was still a while away, but fortunately, the staff had served coffee early.
The faint rustle of paper caught his attention. His father was still working on something important and he briefly wondered whether his father had slept at all last night.
The conversation with his father yesterday evening had been heavy. Fortunately, dinner had arrived at the perfect moment, paving the way for lighter conversations.
There wasn't much else to do at night. So, after dinner, he had slipped into his cultivation sanctuary to meditate. Afterwards, he resumed his training inside his lucid inner world.
By now, Alaric had accepted that his mother probably wouldn't be able to contact him anytime soon. At least while she remained under cover.
He ran his fingers through his hair as he got up to leave the cabin. "I'm going to the observation deck for a while," said Alaric. "Will you come?"
The train had an observation deck towards the front that was known for offering a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape during the journey. Especially the sunrise through the northeastern mountain range, which was only a few minutes away.
"No, I still have some work left to do," replied his father, looking at him. "Besides, I've witnessed the sunrise many times during my travels. I'll skip it this time, but you be careful, son." Alaric nodded before grabbing the handle and stepping outside the door.
Sir Baldwin and a few of the knights were already up, sipping their morning tea or coffee. On inquiring about the rest of them, he learned that a few of them had already headed to the observation deck.
With a nod of approval, Alaric went on his way towards the observation deck, feeling the rumbling of the engine through his feet. The train corridor was wide enough to tread comfortably.
He passed by a few cabins, observing a few passengers ahead, probably hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunrise too. However, his danger sense started tingling as he arrived near a first-class cabin with a person standing guard at the doorway.
Alaric halted, curious to find out the reason. The cabin door was closed, and the window shades were drawn from the inside. He activated [True Vision], nonchalantly sweeping the occupants inside the cabin.
Recognizing the two Church officials wasn't difficult, judging by their attire. Both of them appeared to be on edge, sweat dripping from their temples as they conversed. There were two more men inside who looked like hired muscle, but they seemed more relaxed.
That in itself wasn't surprising. What caught his attention was something else - a mysterious black trunk with ornate runic etchings softly leaking a light green glow. The source of a strange, cold energy that gave him goosebumps. What is that thing?
Alaric furrowed his brows in thought. He didn't like snooping, but something about that mysterious trunk felt off. Whatever was inside it emanated dangerous energy.
"You there," the man standing guard barked at him, "This area is restricted. Either move on or go back." The guard glared at him.
Alaric flashed a smile, putting his hands up in mock surrender before continuing onward. He wasn't about to start an unnecessary scene. Fine, I'll observe it from a distance.
Arriving at the next compartment, he activated his true vision once again, eager to scrutinize some more.
The runic etchings were quite complicated and dense, no doubt meant to offer protection or keep whatever was inside locked in. It also prevented him from delving deeper with his sight.
Damn it! Alaric squeezed his fist, channeling more mana into his eyes, but no matter how hard he focused, he couldn't see what was inside the trunk. His [True Vision] ability wasn't evolved enough to penetrate the runic protections and whatever else was hiding the secrets within.
No, I cannot give up. A spark of challenge ignited in him with a tiny bit of concern. Sure, if the Church was transporting something truly dangerous, they must've arranged for the necessary protection and security.
The hired muscles spoke in their favor. But his curiosity wanted answers. Unfortunately, before he could satisfy his curiosity, he heard the door to the cabin beside him slide open and out stepped a man with a cheeky smile on his face.
"Now, who do we have here? Aah...just a kid," said the man with a hint of amusement, his powerful aura unmistakable. He wore a simple night-time attire, but the bulging muscles underneath confirmed his strength.
For a moment, Alaric was caught off guard, unable to reply. However, he channeled his willpower, breaking the subtle grip of aura exerted over him by the stranger.
The man's eyes roved over Alaric from head to toe. Then his smile stretched into a grin as if he had already reached a conclusion. "A curious one, aren't you?" he continued with a chuckle, before sharpening his gaze.
"What do you mean?" replied Alaric, pretending to be innocent.
"Meddling in other people's affairs can land you in trouble, boy," the man said, jerking his head toward the cabin with the Church officials.
Alaric had already suspected that the man was also in charge of escorting the Church officials and whatever treasure they concealed in that trunk. The man's statement confirmed his assumption.
But unlike the hired guards, this man was far more dangerous. He acted and appeared far too casual to be a member of the church. Probably a high-ranked adventurer.
The way the man had promptly detected Alaric using his [True Vision] ability meant he possessed an amazing perception ability. The stranger also demonstrated exceptional energy control since Alaric couldn't discern his power level or Tier accurately.
However, Alaric's battle-honed instincts told him that he wouldn't stand a chance against this man at his current power level. This man is at least as strong as Rubina, perhaps even stronger - a high-ranked Tier 4.
A mumbling sound broke him out of his reverie and his eyes briefly drifted inside the open cabin where a female form slumbered under the blankets. He got goosebumps once again as he realized that the sleeping female was just as strong as the man.
"Now go on your way before my partner catches a glimpse of you. It won't be pretty, that I promise," said the man, chuckling once more.
Alaric wanted to argue. He wanted to bring up the topic of the mysterious trunk that the Church officials were escorting. It was a danger to the public and common citizens.
However, he felt a little embarrassed once he realized that the matter didn't really concern him and he had been acting with prejudice. The two Tier 4 adventurers, along with the guards, offered plenty of protection and safety.
Besides, he couldn't get embroiled in more trouble. So, with a short bow and an apology, he went on his way.
A part of his mind still remained on the previous encounter, but the lively atmosphere pulled his attention as he finally reached the observation deck.
There were more people than he expected, all of them excited to catch a glimpse of the golden peaks. Plenty of kids stuck to the large glass windows like glue, conversing in hushed whispers and pointing at the distant mountain peaks.
He noticed a few house knights recognizing him and offering short bows in respect. However, Alaric signalled for them to remain at ease. He wasn't the only noble present here and such gestures made him feel uncomfortable.
Just then, the observation deck was filled with excited murmurs as a ball of crimson gold emerged through the snow-capped mountain peaks, bathing them in streaks of the same shades.
For the next few seconds, Alaric relished the awe-inspiring view that unfolded before his eyes, forgetting all his worries. And just like that, the wondrous moment was over.
But Alaric couldn't fully relax. The back of his neck itched a little, just like it always did when he sensed something odd.
Somebody is observing me. He slowly scanned the coach before swiftly turning around and locking eyes with a girl, astonishment etched across her face.